Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials
Experts say leader can be lenient toward mistakes by those he trusts, but ruthless when they cross political red lines
September 28, 2023
The days of ROK politicians visiting North Korea may be a thing of the past
Trips to DPRK have long been way to win approval, but Lee Jae-myung’s legal troubles suggest costs now outweigh risks
September 28, 2023
Kim Jong Un stresses ‘exponential’ nuke production at parliamentary session
North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly also adds language on nuclear weapons status to constitution, passes new laws
September 28, 2023
Defense minister nominee vows to end 2018 military agreement with North Korea
At hearing, Shin Won-sik says deal benefits DPRK more than South Korea but apologizes for past controversial remarks
September 27, 2023
Driving change in North Korea through people, not the regime – Ep. 308
Sokeel Park of Liberty in North Korea discusses need to focus more on DPRK citizens and not just country’s nukes
September 27, 2023
Fur hats and limo talks: Behind the scenes of Russian efforts to wow Kim Jong Un
Moscow pulled out all the stops for North Korean leader, using flattery and gifts to bolster ties and send signals
September 25, 2023
Stranger than fiction: When North Korea kidnapped movie stars for Kim Jong Il
Abduction of famed South Korean director and starlet ex-wife is testament to how far regime will go to get what it wants
September 25, 2023
Why China isn’t too worried about Kim Jong Un’s trip to cozy up to Russia
Experts say Beijing welcomes cooperation that increases North Korean stability, but also doesn’t want to provoke US
September 22, 2023
Kim Jong Un discusses next steps for Russia cooperation at politburo meeting
North Korean leader also holds banquet for over 150 participants of delegation for last week’s 9-day Russia trip
September 22, 2023
Settling in Seoul: What a North Korean escapee thinks of South Korean politics
DPRK’s ‘revolutionary’ politics left no room for choice, but ROK’s democratic system can be bewildering for defectors
